They have run out of money and are no longer accepting applications. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that the Wolf-Livestock Compensation plan, designed for ranchers experiencing livestock losses from wolves, can no longer provide compensation for their losses.
The program was initiated in 2017 in response to increasing conflict as wolves continue to thrive in the state. CDFW officials state that eligible livestock producers have received 100% of the $3 million funds allocated by the Legislature. Additionally, they mention that 109 grants have been awarded to producers in areas with known wolf activity, including Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas, and Tulare Counties.
State wolf experts determined in February that wolves have killed 18 animals since August. According to the latest depredation reports released by the CDFW, these killings occurred in 16 different incidents across northern California counties.
The California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) expresses “significant concern” about the increase in livestock depredations following the growth and expansion of the state’s wolf population.
Last month, the board of supervisors in Lassen heard from wolf expert Kent Lauden, who has been working to collar more wolves across the state. He stated that the Whaleback pack in neighboring counties consistently preys on cattle, noting that the pack, consisting of 11 wolves, has become skilled at taking down large herd animals. Lauden also observed that this pack is thriving better than others.
The dwindling funds and increasing depredations underscore the ongoing challenges of coexistence between wolves and livestock in California.
